IKEA :: Design & Dine Event + Shopping [Oct. edition]

Hello everyone! Hopefully you all had a fab weekend and if you are anything like me, you may be thinking you could have used an extra day on the weekend, am I right? ;) I did have a fun weekend as one of the things I got to do, was attend an event at my local IKEA that I was invited to. They were holding a special event called 'Design & Dine' that showcased some of their food department offerings and allowed guests to try various items that they have available to purchase, in the hopes that people would fall in love with their food department just like they have the shopping side of IKEA. I also finally got to meet the sweet person I have been communicating with in their PR department, that contacted me about coming to this event and while I was there, we had the chance to discuss some ideas we are planning to collaborate on and of course I will be sharing them here with all of you when the details are all worked out but it IS exciting!!!! I just want to say THANKS again to her for the good time, kind words and of course I am looking forward to our partnership going forward, as we will have some fun! ;)
 
Like I mentioned, this event was called 'Design & Dine' and had six stations all featuring different items from Sweden. They had different cheeses, crackers and jams at one station and my fave from here was the multigrain crispbread - so good. Smoked salmon and veggie meatballs at another. They also created some amazing drinks with a few of their signature syrups including the elderflower drink which was so refreshing. Guests were invited to a certified coffee station, as they believe in making sure it's coffee is produced responsibly and sustainable. The ever popular dessert table featured candy from their 'new-er' self-serve candy station, they added to the food department alittle while ago, as well as various cookie options. I love the fact that their candy is free of GMOs, high fructose corn syrup, trans fat and the colors come from nature. I mean if we are going to indulge, this IS the way to do it! We had a great time, everything was so good and if you ever have the pleasure of catching one of these event at your local IKEA, I suggest attending and trying something new. You never know, you may end up liking something different, I did. ;)

One of the reasons I love IKEA so much is their design team is awesome and never ceases to amaze me. (I can't wait to meet them!!) While at this event, each station had 'food art' hanging overhead or on the wall that reflected the station and I was blown away with some of the creative ideas! They were too cool! Check these out! I think this coffee art made of coffee beans and then of course this candy lamp were my faves!

Since I was already there (twist twist of my arm) I took advantage of the time to walk around afterwards to see what I could find, plus I really DID 'need' a few things! ;) Check out what grabbed my attention on this trip!

This space is full of color which makes it so fun. AND I am kinda digging those tables - I am in the market for something different in my living room so maybe . . .

This wall is simply amazing styling! I mean seriously . . . a slipper wall - how cool is that? And the colors, the soft palette is so pretty!

Some fabulous lighting options!

This color combination of the steel grey and blue together was gorgeous plus the fun accessories!

Loving these NEW items that had. This first shelf is a white wash finish and would match some cabinets I have in my craft room. However these last two, I may NEED these to be a part of my office makeover. ;) LOVE!

This. This right here is a tribute to our local boys . . .the Cincinnati Bengals, who just happen to be 6-0! Who-dey!

 
If you are curious what I found the last couple trips, feel free to check out my finds here, when I went in January, in May, in July and also last month in Sept. I will also have a post dedicated to their HOLIDAY line coming soon!

Have you visited an IKEA lately? What is one of your fave products that you have gotten from there? Let me know below as I would love to hear . . .

 

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? 

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos!

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop! 

Looking forward to seeing you again! :)

DIY CRAFT :: for the DOG + Chili pics

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are always mine alone. #1StopPetShop #CollectiveBias

Here's a story. About a pup named Chili. Who was living with three humans of his own. He was very loved. Living all together. But the girl was the chosen one . . . 

So we may or may not have recently been watching old episodes of the Brady Bunch which inspired my opening statement here (LOL) but I thought it worked as I do want to catch you up on the story with Chili our pup and show you a super easy and super crafty way to personalize your favorite pup's eating area! 

This girl & her dog are just about the sweetest thing to see together as they are best buds and have so much fun together. Since this is her first dog, I really wanted a smaller dog for her so she feels like she could handle him and be able to be his 'momma'. It will be TWO years soon that we have had him and it is still one of the best decisions I ever made. Chili has taught my daughter so much in such a short time. Of course he has taught her all about the normal things like responsibility, taking care of someone, structure, diligence and of course how to have some major FUN but it's the other attributes of having a dog that have mattered the most to her. Chili has taught her forgiveness. Trust. Unconditional love. Consideration. Compassion. When you decide to get a dog, you don't think about those things being taught but it's a HUGE bonus that has happened and this little pup that we named Chili, has shown her all of those things. And let me tell you it makes this momma's heart just melt.

My wish is that he will be around for her for a long time. Fortunately for her, this breed has a long lifespan and she even did the Math the other day and realized that she could still have him once she gets out of college! I sure hope so because there is soooooo much these two give each other on a daily basis and I enjoy watching them and what they're up to every day . . . from snuggles on the couch, to daily walks, playing with all of his bazillion toys she loves to buy him, teaching him the latest 'trick' and being best friends!

Disclaimer: cute puppy photos are next! You've been warned!! ;)

One of my favorite things to do every week, with my daughter, is hit our local Target because hey . . . you can never tire of that place, I say! ;) She is always wanting to spend her allowance money, look for a new toy for Chili and just chill with her momma while perusing the aisles for deals. Teaching her young I say, right? ;) I mean seriously our typical routine is to grab a drink, hit the Dollar Spot and then whip out my phone to see the latest Cartwheel savings deal & then we're off! 

On our trip this past week, she of course wanted to check out the dog toys to make sure there weren't any new ones he didn't have yet as she is constantly thinking about her BFF and we love that the pet section has everything we need there. One stop and done is the way to go right? When we first got Chili I was so thankful that Target had everything we needed so I am not running around to multiple places, getting what he needs. Helloooooo, I'm at Target every week anyway so it's just so nice to be able to pick up what we need and they have a great selection. Like I said, the girl is always wanting to pick up the latest toy they have and I am pretty sure we have almost all of them - not kidding. For example, Chili just had his second birthday a couple weeks ago and we got him a spiffy new bow tie there (see pic above), a new collar, several new toys, a chew bone, some treats and a water bottle for when we are out walking with him. I mean he now has his own water bottle!!!!! This boy is so spoiled! ;) 

Anyways, this trip we needed to pick up some dog food too. IAMS just happened to have a deal going on through the Cartwheel app so we grabbed a bag of it for Chili to try! Make sure to get the deal when you go too! (And if you have a cat, there's a savings for you too: IAMS cat dry food and IAMS wet cat food)  Hello, saving money like a boss! I am pretty picky about what we feed Chili too as I want him to lead a healthy life and I know it's important from what Chili's vet has said, to find something that helps keep his teeth and gums healthy and dry food can do that. It's also necessary for me to give him something to promote healthy digestion for his breed, reduce tartar buildup, help boost his immunity and the IAMS brand believes that the right diet can do great things for our dogs, so we got him the IAMS dry food to help with his daily needs. I like that it has different varieties to choose from depending on your dog's stage in life and needs they may have. And I feel good knowing I am doing my part to keep her best friend around as long as I can. =)

We were feeling kinda crafty on this trip as well and she wanted to make something for who else, Chili, so we checked out the craft aisle for some ideas and we came up with an idea to do a customized place mat for the kitchen. She wanted us both to do something on the place mat so I decided I would hand letter his name on it and she would put some of her doodles on it to make it extra special.




STEPS for customizing a place mat for the dog:

1. First, grab a few supplies for your project. You will need a place mat (I used one that could be wiped off - for obvious reasons), a pencil, some permanent markers or paint or whatever you would like to use to draw with.

2. I started by drawing it out on a scrap piece of paper first, so I could be sure of my design and if I was going to like the way it looked. Then sketched it on my place mat in pencil.

3. Next take your markers and color in your design as you would like it to look.

4. Finally, have your kid draw some doodles on to make it fun and extra special! She chose to just do white dots with a chalkboard marker to give it some pop and keep it simple. ;)

I love doing these type of fun crafts with my daughter, especially when we get to enjoy seeing others using them. I think this looks great in our kitchen and Chili will be eating his meals in style now. 

So how do you like the way it turned out? I love it and hopefully you will give it a try as well as it's super easy! Remember you can pick up the supplies for this craft as well as your bag of IAMS dog food to try, the next time you are doing some shopping at Target! Maybe I'll see ya there! ;)

Have you created any special items and spoiled your pet lately? I would love to hear something you have done for that special pet in your life. Let me know below . . .
 
     

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? 

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos!

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop! 

TOP POSTS :: Best of November

     

Can you even believe we are here in December already? Stockings are hung, the tree is up and before you know it we will be talking about how it's 2015. Ok can someone just reach over and press that old 'pause life' button for a minute? Mmmmkay!
 
Ok, so guess that didn't work ;) so we may as well take a look back over what you all were reading in November & viewed the most. I would also like to say THANK YOU to all who stop by to read, comment from time to time & send me emails. I SEE IT ALL! So thanks again. xoxo

:: TOP POSTS for November 2014 ::
 

CRAFT :: Glam Headband Holder

 
ART PRINT :: Blessings

HAND LETTERED :: Table Tents + Birthday Banner

LOVE :: Fresh Flowers from the Bouqs Co

SHOPPING :: IKEA Finds

So now you are all caught up on some of the most read posts here on my blog. Hopefully you will just add me to your BlogLovin feed so you don't miss any posts. =) You can find it on the top right sidebar here - super easy to do!

Are you loving the "eye candy" here? 
 

Then join me over on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter & Instagram so you never miss out on an exclusive deal or any behind the scenes photos!

Check out my designs, artwork & decor in my Etsy shop! 

 
  Looking forward to seeing you again! :)

{Day 5 - Daily Deal} 12 Days of Christmas Event

It's the "12 Days of Christmas" event. 
On the FIFTH day of Christmas the gift fairy sent to ME . . .

Skylar Raine is an online boutique that is offering "Accessories & Stylish Creations" for YOU & your home! LOVE fun, one-of-a-kind, handmade accessories?? Did ya say YES? If so, you must check out the goods!

 
Skylar Raine is dedicated to creating unique, trendy, accessory designs & you will find all kinds of hair accessories & jewelry items for YOU currently in the shop including headbands, hair clips, bobby pins to bracelets & rings! The 'home' line will be expanding next year & right now there are several hand painted & embellished picture frames included in this sale for you to check out!

Everything that you will find in my shop is handmade.. I LOVE helping people design something to fit their needs. I use the best materials & fabrics that I can find while still keeping an affordable price.
 

I LOVE to make things which is one of the reasons I opened this shop. I named the shop after my daughter "Skylar Raine" because she is the inspiration for what I design. She also works with me & offers her opinion on items that I make & I love working along side of her - even if she is only ten years old!

  

Skylar Raine is offering a 25% DISCOUNT

off EVERYTHING listed in her shop. 

 {She will be offering this deal until 12/12} 


Just enter CODE: 12DAYS25 at checkout

 

  I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this shop & I hope you do too as it is very near & dear to my heart! ;)

 

So are you ready to go check out the goods? 

Check out the shop at: Skylar Raine on Etsy

 

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Have fun shopping & remember I am offering this discount for the duration of the giveaway so you can take your time, look around & hopefully find some great gifts!

Skylar Raine on Facebook   

Shop: Skylar Raine on Etsy!

Instagram: shopskylarraine

 

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Make sure to check back tomorrow for the next DEAL.

ALL 'daily deals' will post by 9am (EST) to ensure you don't miss it! ;) 

 

 

 

Did you miss a day? Check out DAY 1, DAY 2, DAY 3, DAY 4 of this event, just click the link to see all the details & to catch ANY deal you may have missed!

 

Don't forget to enter the "12 Days of Christmas" GIVEAWAY for your chance to WIN some great prizes from some AMAZING vendors! 

 

Thanks for being here & I hope you will enjoy all 12 DAYS & all the DEALS I have planned for you!